Treatment of asthma using botulinum toxin

ABSTRACT

Botulinum toxin for use in treating asthma in a patient in need thereof is provided. The treatment comprises administering botulinum toxin to the patient. The botulinum toxin may be administered by subcutaneous or intradermal injection. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve, a cervical nerve, a thoracic nerve, a lumbar nerve, a sacral nerve, or a combination thereof of the patient.

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/875,924, filed May 15, 2020, entitled “Treatment of Asthma Using Botulinum Toxins,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,973,873 B1, issued on Apr. 13, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods for diagnosing and treating (including alleviating and/or preventing) asthma and improving asthma symptoms of children and adults.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Botulinum toxins cleave and destroy a protein called synaptosomal nerve-associated protein 25 (“SNAP25”) and/or synaptobrevin (also called vesicle-associated membrane protein [“VAMP”]). Botulinum toxins A, C, and E cleave SNAP25 at different locations, but the effect is in general the same—the protein is destroyed and cannot function until the cell makes new ones. Botulinum toxins B, D, F and G cleave VAMP present at the cytoplasmic surface of the synaptic vesicle. The two important locations in the body where the proteins are found are at the terminals of the motor neurons (muscle) and in the cell membranes of astrocytes, glial cells, and satellite cells. These three cell types surround sensory neurons and form part of the blood-brain barrier. In motor nerves, to cause them to fire, vesicles of acetylcholine move from inside the motor neuron across the cell membrane at the synapse between the motor nerve and muscle fiber. Acetylcholine is released into the synapse and activates receptors in the muscle fiber, which contracts the muscle fiber. In sensory nerves, when a nerve is damaged from physical or mental injuries, the three aforementioned structural cells produce large amounts of Substance P, Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), and glutamate internally and the molecules are moved by vesicles to the cell membrane where the SNAP25 and/or VAMP moves the molecules through the cell membrane and releases the molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the neurons. There, the molecules bind to the receptor on the sensory nerves, causing the neuroexcitatory effects. The molecules can also diffuse in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and influence other sensory nerves to become hyperactive, a process called central sensitization.

This mechanism of cleaving the SNAP25 and/or VAMP in muscles and sensory nerves causes the only known clinical effects of botulinum, which paralyzes muscles in the motor system for 3-4 months until the cell grows a new protein. This effect has been used for decades for overactive muscles (such as to treat overactive muscles as part of cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, tic, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, etc.), wrinkles in the face, excessive sweating, and overactive bladder.

In the sensory nerves, the mechanism has been used for treating migraines and depression. The effect of blocking the SNAP25 and/or VAMP in the glial, satellite, and astrocyte cells will work for 5-9 months until these cells grow new proteins. The important part of this mechanism is that the botulinum effect does not destroy cells and does not stop the normal production of or effects of acetylcholine (muscles) or Substance P, CGRP, or glutamate in sensory nerves. These facts give huge advantages over a monoclonal antibody which would eliminate all glutamate, CGRP, and Substance P. Side effects of such elimination would be disastrous. The receptor antagonists also have problems—for example, because the receptor antagonists are not site-specific, they block glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP everywhere. Too little glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP is a problem, as well as too much. It is difficult to regulate oral or I.V. doses to obtain the correct level of reduction in areas that are too high in glutamate, Substance P, and/or CGRP without over reduction in areas with normal levels.

Small doses of botulinum toxin injected into a specific muscle can cleave SNAP25 and/VAMP to calm the muscle's overreaction or paralyze the muscle temporarily if desired. Or, if injected subcutaneously near unmyelinated sensory nerves, the botulinum toxin can stop the overproduction of the sensory neuroexcitatory compounds without affecting normal glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP production and function. It is, however, noted that botulinum toxin is highly lethal. Botulinum toxin is the most toxic poison known. One molecule of botulinum toxin destroys one protein molecule of SNAP25 and/or VAMP. A little bit goes a long way. Its production, storage and injection must be done with knowledge and care.

In particular, the mechanism of the sensory effect (stopping overproduction of glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP) is as follows: almost all nerves in the human body are surrounded by a protective coating called myelin, which protects the nerve and makes neural conduction faster. Botulinum toxin has difficulty penetrating the myelin. Just under the skin are sensory pain nerves called C-fibers, which are unmyelinated. Research has shown that very low dose botulinum toxin can penetrate these axons and diffuse up the axon to the cell body into the CSF and affect the SNAP25 and/or VAMP on the glial, satellite, and astrocyte cells. Subsequently, botulinum toxin destroys the SNAP25 and/or VA MP and prevents the release of the excess Substance P, CGRP, and glutamate, which is involved in a response mechanism to neural-injury without affecting normal glutamate, Substance P. and CGRP production, use, or receptors. An example of a malfunction with the normal nerve mechanism is an infection of a nerve by the shingles virus. The infection by the shingles virus damages the nerve but does not kill it, or there would be no feeling (numbness). This causes a spike in the production of glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP. This causes the well-known shingles pain and hypersensitivity. Over a 2-3 month period, the infection is controlled, the nerve heals, and the overproduction of the neuroexcitatory chemicals gets back to normal. However, sometimes for unknown reasons, the overproduction does not get back to normal but remains high, and severe chronic pain and hypersensitivity persists. Chronically overstimulated neurons can cause numerous problems depending on where the neurons are located. The neuroexcitatory chemicals can travel up the spinal cord to the brain in the CSF and affect neurons there. This process is called central sensitization. Depending on where glutamate, Substance P, and CGRP are produced and where the molecules travel to, the molecules can cause chronic pain, headaches, vertigo, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to touch, cold sensitivity, overactive bladder, depression, anxiety, flashbacks, mental fogginess, vasoconstriction of extremities, sleep disturbances, and perhaps the death and malformation of the developing neural architecture in children with ASD (autism).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention is related to botulinum toxin for use in treating asthma in a patient in need thereof. The method comprises administering botulinum toxin to the patient. The botulinum toxin may be administered by subcutaneous or intradermal injection. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve of the patient. The selected trigeminal nerve comprises an ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve, supraorbital nerve, supratrochlear nerve, infraorbital nerve, lacrimal nerve, nasociliary nerve, superior alveolar nerve, buccal nerve, lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, an auriculotemporal nerve, lesser occipital nerve, a greater occipital nerve, or a combination thereof. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a cervical nerve of the patient. The selected cervical nerve comprises the c-2 nerve, c-3 nerve, c-4 nerve, c-5 nerve, c-6 nerve, c-7 nerve, c-8 nerve, or a combination thereof. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered by subcutaneous or intradermal injection to and/or around a vicinity of a thoracic nerve of the patient. The selected thoracic nerve comprises the t-2 nerve, t-3 nerve, t-5 nerve, t-6 nerve, t-7 nerve, t-8 nerve, t-9 nerve, t-10 nerve, t-11 nerve, t-12 nerve, or a combination thereof. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a lumbar nerve of the patient. The selected lumbar nerve comprises the 1-1 nerve, 1-2 nerve, 1-3 nerve, 1-4 nerve, 1-5 nerve, or a combination thereof. The subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a sacral nerve of the patient. The selected sacral nerve comprises the s-1 nerve, s-2 nerve, s-3 nerve, s-4 nerve, s-5 nerve, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the subcutaneous or intradermal injection may be administered to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve, a cervical nerve, a thoracic nerve, a lumbar nerve, a sacral nerve, or a combination thereof of the patient. Preferably, the administering for an adult who weighs about 150 lbs. comprises by subcutaneous or intradermal injection 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of an ophthalmic, maxillary, and/or mandibular nerve of the trigeminal nerve (bilateral), 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of c-2 to c-3, c-4 to c-6, and/or c-7 to c-8 of the cervical nerve, about one-inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of t-2 to t-3, t-5 to t-6, t-7 to t-9, and/or t-10 to t-12 of the thoracic nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), 2-4 unit to and/or around the vicinity of 1-1 to 1-2, 1-2 to 1-3, and/or 1-4 to 1-5 of the lumbar nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), and/or 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of s-1 to s-2, s-3 to s-4, and/or s-4 to s-5 of the sacral nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral). In some desired embodiments, the botulinum toxin used in the method comprises botulinum toxin type A, botulinum toxin type B, botulinum toxin type C, botulinum toxin type D, botulinum toxin type E, botulinum toxin type F, botulinum toxin type G, a fragment thereof, a hybrid thereof, a chimera thereof, or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, a total dosage of the botulinum toxin for an adult who weighs about 150 lbs is between about 1 unit and about 150 units. The dosage of botulinum toxin for an adult or a child is adjusted for age, weight, or a combination thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Further in relation to this, before explaining at least the preferred embodiments of the invention in greater detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description. It would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments beyond those described herein are contemplated, and the embodiments can be practiced and carried out in a plurality of different ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as a limiting factor.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein refer to that which the ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan will prevail.

As used herein, the term “about” means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth herein means±10% of the numerical value or range recited or claimed.

The term “treating” includes delaying, alleviating, mitigating or reducing the intensity, progression, or worsening of one or more attendant symptoms of a disorder or condition and/or alleviating, mitigating or impeding one or more causes of a disorder or condition. Treatment under the claimed invention may be a preventative treatment, prophylactic treatment, remission of treating or ameliorating treatment.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” or “therapeutically effective dose” refers to the amount of a composition, compound, therapy, or course of treatment that, when administered to an individual for treating a disorder or disease, is sufficient to effect such treatment for the disorder or disease. The “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the composition, the compound, the therapy, the course of treatment, the disorder or disease and its severity and the age, weight, etc., of the individual to be treated.

The term “unit” refers to the amount of botulinum toxin needed to kill 50% of a group of 18-20 gm female Swiss-Webster mice given the injection intraperitoneally.

The term “vicinity of a nerve” refers to anywhere on the dermatome involved with the nerve.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, use of botulinum toxin to treat asthma is provided.

Treatment of Asthma

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, asthma symptoms may become worse at night or with exercise.

Although asthma has long been considered a single disease, recent studies have increasingly focused on its heterogeneity. The characterization of this heterogeneity has led to the concept that asthma consists of various “phenotypes” or consistent groupings of characteristics. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis of subjects from the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP), researchers have identified five distinct clinical phenotypes of asthma which differ in lung function, age of asthma onset, duration, atrophy, and sex. In children with asthma, three wheeze phenotypes have been identified: (1) transient early wheezing; (2) non-atopic wheezing; and (3) IgE-mediated (atopic) wheezing. The transient early wheezing phenotype is associated with symptoms that are limited to the first 3-5 years of life. The transient early wheezing phenotype is not associated with a family history of asthma or allergic sensitization. Risk factors for this phenotype include decreased lung function that is diagnosed before any respiratory illness has occurred, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and exposure to other kids at daycare centers. The non-atopic wheezing phenotype represents a group of children who experience episodes of wheezing up to adolescence that are not associated with atopy or allergic sensitization. Rather, the wheezing is associated with a viral respiratory infection, particularly with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), experienced in the first 3 years of life. Children with this phenotype tend to have milder asthma than the atopic phenotype. IgE-mediated (atopic) wheezing (also referred to as the “classic asthma phenotype”) is characterized by persistent wheezing that is associated with atopy, early allergic sensitization, significant loss of lung function in the first years of life, and airway hyper-responsiveness. Classifying asthma according to phenotypes provides a foundation for improved understanding of disease causality and the development of more targeted and personalized approaches to management that can lead to improved asthma control. Research on the classification of asthma phenotypes and the appropriate treatment of these phenotypes is ongoing.

Asthma can be alternatively categorized as follows: (1) allergic asthma; (2) nonallergic asthma; (3) pediatric asthma/recurrent obstructive bronchitis: (4) late-onset asthma; (5) asthma with fixed airflow obstruction; (5) obesity asthma; (6) occupational asthma; (7) asthma in the elderly; and (8) severe asthma. Classifications by other professional associations (ERS/ATS, European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society) tend to focus more on a combination of clinical and pathophysiological aspects (e.g., eosinophilic/neutrophilic asthma, severe allergic asthma, etc.).

Depending on the type of trigger, doctors classify asthma as being either allergic or non-allergic.

Allergic asthma is called “extrinsic asthma” because the trigger comes from outside the body and is breathed in with the air. Different people may have reactions to different types of triggers, including, but not limited to, cigarette smoke (active and passive smoking), plant pollen, animal fur, dust mite excrement, some kinds of food, cold air, perfume, exhaust fumes and certain chemicals. Cold air or excess breathing during exercise may cause allergic asthma.

In contrast, non-allergic asthma is called “intrinsic asthma” because the trigger comes from inside the body. These triggers include bacterial and viral inflammations of the airways in particular. Sometimes taking certain kinds of painkillers may lead to asthma. These painkillers include acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the drug in medicines like Aspirin) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For some people, physical or emotional stress that makes them breathe faster can also trigger asthma symptoms.

The causes of asthma, however, are still not completely understood. A number of risk factors are associated with the condition, often in combination. These influences can be genetic (the condition clusters in families), and/or environmental (such as inhalation of allergens or chemical irritants). Occupational causes of asthma in adults are often under-recognized.

Current treatments/medications used to treat asthma are divided into two general classes: (1) quick-relief medications used to treat acute symptoms, and (2) long-term control medications used to prevent further exacerbation. Fast-acting medications include, but are not limited to, β2-adrenoceptor agonists, anticholinergic medications, inhaled epinephrine, and a short course of corticosteroids. Long-term control medications include corticosteroids (generally considered the most effective treatment available for long-term control), long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or mast cell stabilizers. Other options include, but are not limited to, the followings: (1) oxygen to alleviate hypoxia if saturations fall below 92%, (2) corticosteroids by mouth with five days of prednisone or two days of dexamethasone, (3) antianxiety and/or antidepressant medications, and (4) heliox (a mixture of helium and oxygen). Medications are typically provided as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in combination with an asthma spacer or as a dry powder inhaler. Said treatments/medications used, however, only mitigate the symptoms of this overreaction.

It is noteworthy that asthma is caused by hypersensitive and severe overreaction to common lung irritants that normally cause minor or no problems. The question is, what causes the sensitivity and overreaction? How can you stop the sensitivity of the lung tissues instead of trying to simply control the symptoms? Not wishing to be bound by a theory, the hypersensitivity is believed to be a result of a neuropathic condition brought about by the overproduction of the sensory excitatory peptides Substance P and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) by the sensory nerves from the c-1-t-4 dorsal root ganglia and the vagus nerves. Overproduction of Substance P and CGRP by the cervical, thoracic, and vagus sensory nerves cause a state of hypersensitivity in the bronchi of the lungs.

While a viral infection, chemical irritant, a substance the patient may be allergic to, cold air, or excess breathing during exercise may cause what would be a slight irritation in non-asthmatic patients, these can cause mild to severe asthmatic episodes in patients with hypersensitivity in the bronchi. The hypersensitivity causes a severe overreaction to those normal irritants, causing bronchospasms and overproduction of mucus. This closing of the airway and mucus overproduction results in the asthmatic symptoms. It is known that in neuropathic conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia, the neurostructural cells (glial, satellite, and astrocyte) overproduce these substances and cause the neuropathic hypersensitivity that results in symptoms of migraine and fibromyalgia Many asthmatic patients also suffer from these conditions. There is a high prevalence of migraine patients with asthma. The coexistence of asthma and headaches is expected to be related to a similar pathogenic mechanism. Large case-control studies have shown association between migraine and asthma. “If the association is real, its elucidation may help the understanding of the mechanism shared by both migraines and asthma (Davey, G. et al, 2002).” Up to 52% of asthma patients have anxiety problems; up to 52% of asthma patients have anxiety problems; up to 50% of asthma patients have sleep disorders; up to 41% of asthma patients have migraines; up to 75% of asthma patients have fibromyalgia.

Studies have shown that Substance P and CGRP are highly elevated in the blood lung tissues and sputum in asthma patients. CGRP-positive nerve fibers that innervate the airways originate from the trigeminal, nodose/jugular and dorsal root ganglia. CGRP can induce mucus secretion in the airways, from both glands and goblet cells. CGRP can also amplify the pro-contractile effects of capsaicin and electrical field stimulation.

CGRP has long been suspected for having important modulatory role in asthma, due to its airway constricting capacity. Indeed, reports suggest that CGRP is increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatics and might contribute to the late phase asthmatic reactions following allergen inhalation. The number of CGRP-positive nerve fibers is also increased in animal models given viral infections, which are risk factors for asthma. Interestingly, researchers demonstrated that CGRP is expressed ectopically in mucus cells of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized Brown-Norway rats, which suggested that this accumulation of CGRP might represent an additional releasing mechanism involved in quick hypersensitivity responses and mucus secretion. A recent investigation found that a combination of CGRP and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are responsible for goblet cell hyperplasia and Mucin 5AC (muc5AC) induction in a murine model of asthma. Using the same model, it was found that elimination of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, which express CGRP, decreased the expression of goblet cells and Mucin 5B (muc5B). Based upon studies in animals, it is expected that inhibition of CGRP would alleviate some of the mucus phenotypes in allergic asthma.

Neurogenic inflammation also participates in the development of asthma. Neurokinin Substance P acts by binding to neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) are important effector cells in asthma.

Asthmatic subjects demonstrated increased expression of Substance P and neurokinin 1 and mucus content in the airway epithelium. After antibiotic treatment, both epithelial Substance P and neurokinin 1 expression were significantly reduced in asthmatic subjects. Our data suggest that abnormalities in neural mechanisms may exist in the epithelium of asthmatic airways, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is possibly involved in this process.

Research shows that the sputum Substance P concentration is significantly higher in patients with asthma (mean±standard error of the mean, 17.7±2.4 fmol/ml; p<0.01) and patients with chronic bronchitis (25.6±5.5 fmol/ml; p<0.01) than in people without asthma (1.1±0.4 fmol/ml). In patients with asthma, the Substance P concentration was significantly elevated to the eosinophil cell counts in induced sputum.

Substance P, involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese-asthma phenotype in mice, which supports a common pathway in the obese-asthma phenotype and highlight SP as a target with potential clinical interest in the obese-asthma epidemics. CGRP, a potent vasodilator, is markedly up-regulated in the airways of atopic asthmatics during late-phase reactions provoked by inhalation of allergen-derived T-cell peptides. Thus, Substance P and CGRP are believed to be related to the occurrence of asthma.

Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) is present in almost all patients with symptomatic asthma, yet its mechanism is not well understood. Airway inflammation is thought to be an important underlying mechanism involved in causing AHR. Recent studies indicate release of neuropeptides from C-fiber endings plays a pivotal role in airway inflammation. Substance P is a critical neurotransmitter of sensory C-fiber and a well-known effector of inflammatory response. However, roles of other neuropeptides and interaction among these neuropeptides in airway inflammation and AHR were largely unknown. CGRP, an intrapulmonary neuropeptide that functions as a potent vasodilator and neutrophils activator, is released from the same C-fiber ending as Substance P is released. In conclusion, our data provide compelling evidence that Substance P and CGRP are involved in the development of airway inflammation. The interaction between Substance P and CGRP is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of AHR and other lung inflammatory diseases.

There is not a universally accepted definition of asthma. It is a chronic inflammation disorder of the airway Diagnosis is typically based on the pattern of symptoms and response to therapy over time. Diagnosis is suspected if there is a history of recurrent wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing over time. These symptoms occur or worsen due to exercise, viral infection, allergens, or air pollution. Spirometry is used to confirm the diagnosis. Alternatively, blood levels of Substance P and CGRP could be checked at regular doctor visits.

If a patient is diagnosed to experience asthma, a specific, customized plan for monitoring and managing symptoms should be created. This plan should include the reduction of exposure to allergens, testing to assess the severity of symptoms, and the usage of and adjustments to medications. The treatment plan should be written down and advise adjustments to treatment according to changes in symptoms.

One of the most effective treatment for asthma is identifying triggers, such as cigarette smoke, pets, or aspirin, and eliminating exposure to them. If trigger avoidance is insufficient, the use of medication is recommended. Pharmaceutical drugs are selected based on, among other things, the severity of illness and the frequency of symptoms. Specific medications for asthma are broadly classified into fast-acting and long-acting categories Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief of symptoms. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids or alternatively, a leukotriene antagonist or a mast cell stabilizer by mouth, is recommended (for mild persistence). For those who have daily attacks, a higher dose of inhaled corticosteroids is used. In a moderate or severe exacerbation, corticosteroids by mouth are added to these treatments.

People with asthma have higher rates of anxiety, psychological stress, and depression. This is associated with poorer asthma control. Cognitive behavioral therapy may improve quality of life, asthma control, and anxiety levels in people with asthma.

Avoidance of triggers is a key component of improving control and preventing attacks. The most common triggers include allergens, smoke (from tobacco or other sources), air pollution, non-selective beta-blockers, and sulfite-containing foods. Cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke (passive smoke) may reduce the effectiveness of medications such as corticosteroids. Overall, exercise is beneficial in people with stable asthma.

In embodiments of the present invention, a patient diagnosed to experience asthma can be given botulinum toxin subcutaneously or by any other injection that allows the botulinum toxin to reach the unmyelinated sensory C fiber (e.g., intradermal injection, etc.) to prevent or alleviate related symptoms and/or blood tests to assess blood levels of Substance P and CGRP. Because the sensory innervation of the lungs and bronchi comes from the vagus nerve (not the cranial nerve) and branches off spinal nerves, c-1-t-4, the botulinum toxin injection can be given to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve, a cervical nerve, a thoracic nerve, a lumbar nerve, a sacral nerve, or a combination thereof of the patient. Preferably, it is not necessary to inject botulinum toxin to the cranial nerves because there is numerous anastomosis between the trigeminal nerves and the spinal nerves. The selected trigeminal nerve may include, but is not limited to, an ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve, supraorbital nerve, supratrochlear nerve, infraorbital nerve, lacrimal nerve, nasociliary nerve, superior alveolar nerve, buccal nerve, lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, an auriculotemporal nerve, lesser occipital nerve, a greater occipital nerve, or a combination thereof. In the facial dermatome, botulinum toxin is injected subcutaneously to the trigeminal nerve or around the vicinity of the trigeminal nerve because the trigeminal nerve is entirely sensory. In contrast, the facial nerve supplies motor innervations to the face and has no subcutaneous axons. Thus, injecting botulinum toxin to the trigeminal nerve minimizes or eliminates muscular side effects. The selected cervical nerve may include, but is not limited to, the c-2 nerve, c-3 nerve, c-4 nerve, c-5 nerve, c-6 nerve, c-7 nerve, c-8 nerve, or a combination thereof. The selected thoracic nerve may include, but is not limited to, the t-2 to t-3 nerve, t-5 to t-6 nerve, t-7 to t-9 nerve, and/or t-10 to t-12 nerve, or a combination thereof. The selected lumbar nerve may include, but is not limited to, the 1-1 to 1-2 nerve, 1-2 to 1-3 nerve, and/or 1-4 to 1-5 nerve, or a combination thereof. The selected sacral nerve may include, but is not limited to, the s-1 to s-2, s-3 to s-4, and/or s-4 to s-5, or a combination thereof. For example, 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of an ophthalmic, maxillary, and/or mandibular nerve of the trigeminal nerve (bilateral), 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of the c-2 to c-3, c-4 to c-6, and/or c-7 to c-8 of the cervical nerve, about one-inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of the t-2 to t-3, t-5 to t-6, t-7 to t-9, and/or t-10 to t-12 of the thoracic nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), 2-4 unit to and/or around the vicinity of the 1-1 to 1-2, 1-2 to 1-3, and/or 1-4 to 1-5 of the lumbar nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral), and/or 2-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of the s-1 to s-2, s-3 to s-4, and/or s-4 to s-5 of the sacral nerve, about one inch lateral to the patient's spine (bilateral) can be administered. While the administration site is about one-inch lateral to the patient's spine in the above embodiment, the distance can be more than 0 inches, about 0.1-3 inches, about 0.5-2.5 inches or about 1.0-2.0 inches. Alternatively, the distance can be about 0.1, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1.0, about 1.1, about 1.2, about 1.3, about 1.4, about 1.5, about 1.6, about 1.7, about 1.8, about 1.9, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, or about 3.0 inches. The methods according to embodiments of the present invention are preferably applied to all or many of these locations. Depending on symptoms or conditions, the botulinum toxin used in embodiments of the present invention can be injected to a subset or subgroup of the locations described in embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, 3 injections of 2 units each distributed along each side of the neck in the cervical area on the trigeminal nerve, 1 injection of 2 units in the ophthalmic, maxillary, mandibular division subcutaneously and bilaterally. These dosages are for an adult who weighs about 150 lbs. The dosage for an adult or a child with asthma would have to be adjusted for age, weight, or a combination thereof.

The methods according to embodiments of the present invention are novel and inventive as they allow for a minimal amount of botulinum toxin to be injected and still cover all dermatomes with no or minor motor involvement. By using a subcutaneous or intradermal injection that reaches the unmyelinated C-fibers, it takes a lot less botulinum toxin to absorbed into them as opposed to the myelinated nerves, and there are no motor nerves in the epithelium. Also, the injection at, for example, ½ to 1 inch from the patient's spine allows for a lower dose of botulinum toxin because there is a shorter distance to the dorsal root ganglia (approximately ¼ inch) for botulinum toxin to diffuse as compared to several feet if given in the arm or leg. The site is the only place in the body where the sensory and motor nerves are not in close proximity. This combination of low dose and separation of approximately 1 inch of bone and tissue between the motor and sensory nerves should minimize or eliminate any motor side effects. Furthermore, the methods according to embodiments of the present invention does not require vagus nerve injection. The only superficial exposure of the vagus nerve is Arnold's nerve which is in the ear canal. It is a mixed motor and sensory nerve, and the motor component of it innervates the throat. If you inject botulinum toxin to or around the Arnold's nerve, you can generate speech and swallowing problems. The inventor has found that there is enough anastomosis between the sensory cervical nerves, the trigeminal nerve and the vagus nerve that botulinum toxin can reach the vagus ganglia and stop the overproduction of Substance P, glutamate, and CGRP.

Botulinum toxin is given to lower the levels of Substance P and CGRP, and botulinum toxin to normal levels. It normally begins to work after about three days, when injected about ½ to an inch from the spinal cord for all spinal injections. Blood Substance P and CGRP levels can be monitored to make sure that the levels drop to normal, and the asthma symptoms can be monitored to make sure the symptoms normalize as well. When the botulinum toxin wears off and blood tests show an increase in Substance P or CGRP and/or the symptoms begin to redevelop, more botulinum toxin can be given by injection to combat this effect. If levels/symptoms fail to normalize, then perhaps a small dose of one of the Substance P and CGRP antagonists can be administered to help lower Substance P and CGRP blood levels without producing side effects. For patients, as discussed, it is possible to use the claimed method to delay, alleviate, mitigate or reduce the intensity, progression, or worsening of one or more attendant symptoms of a disorder or condition, and/or the claimed method alleviates, mitigates or impedes one or more causes of a disorder or condition.

In general, the total dosage or amount can be, for example, 1-150 units depending on the patient's body weight. Preferably, the total dosage is about 20-150 units. Preferably, the total dosage for adults whose weight is 150 lbs is about 50-150 units. For an adult or a child, the dosage can be adjusted to the patient's body weight, age, or a combination thereof. For toddlers (e.g., from about 1 to 5 years old), the dosage can be, for example, about 1-30 units and can be adjusted to the patient's body weight and age. This is an estimate, but 30 units is the maximum dosage that has been used safely since the 1990s in cerebral palsy infants and young children to control their severe muscle spasms.

Botulinum toxin is given to lower the levels of Substance P and CGRP, and botulinum toxin normally begins to work after about three days. It normally takes the botulinum toxin about one to two weeks to reach the height of its effectiveness. Blood levels of Substance P and CGRP can be monitored to make sure that the levels drop to normal, and the patient's physical symptoms can be monitored to make sure the levels normalize as well. When the botulinum toxin wears off, blood tests show an increase in Substance P or CGRP, and/or the symptoms begin to redevelop, more botulinum toxin can be given to combat the symptoms of the condition. If levels/symptoms fail to normalize, then perhaps a small dose of one of the Substance P or CGRP antagonists can be administered to help lower Substance P or CGRP levels without producing side effects. For patients, as discussed, it is possible to use the claimed method to delay, alleviate, mitigate or reduce the intensity, progression, or worsening of one or more attendant symptoms of a disorder or condition, and/or the claimed method alleviates, mitigates or impedes one or more causes of a disorder or condition.

Botulinum toxins for use according to the present invention can be stored in lyophilized, vacuum dried form in containers under vacuum pressure or as stable liquids. Prior to lyophilization, the botulinum toxin can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, stabilizers and/or carriers, such as albumin. The lyophilized material can be reconstituted with saline or water to create a solution or composition containing the botulinum toxin to be administered to the patient.

Preferably, the botulinum neurotoxin is peripherally administered by administering it to or in the vicinity of the aforementioned nerve or to the aforementioned nerve branch or its ganglion nuclei. This method of administration permits the botulinum neurotoxin to be administered to and/or to affect select intracranial target tissues. Methods of administration include injection of a solution or composition containing the botulinum neurotoxin, as described above, and include implantation of a controlled release system that controllably releases the botulinum neurotoxin to the target trigeminal tissue. Such controlled release systems reduce the need for repeat injections. Diffusion of biological activity of botulinum toxin within a tissue appears to be a function of dose and can be graduated. Jankovic J., et al Therapy with Botulinum Toxin, Marcel Dekker, Inc., (1994), page 150. Thus, diffusion of botulinum toxin can be controlled to reduce potentially undesirable side effects that may affect the patient's cognitive abilities. For example, the botulinum neurotoxin may be administered so that the botulinum neurotoxin primarily effects neural systems believed to be involved in a selected neuropsychiatric disorder, and does not have negatively adverse effects on other neural systems.

In addition, the botulinum neurotoxin may be administered to the patient in conjunction with a solution or composition that locally decreases the pH of the target tissue environment. For example, a solution containing hydrochloric acid may be used to locally and temporarily reduce the pH of the target tissue environment to facilitate translocation of the neurotoxin across cell membranes. The reduction in local pH may be desirable when the composition contains fragments of botulinum neurotoxins that may not have a functional targeting moiety (e.g., a portion of the toxin that binds to a neurotoxin receptor, and/or a translocation domain). By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a fragment of botulinum toxin that comprises the proteolytic domain of the toxin may be administered to the patient in conjunction with an agent that decreases the local pH of the target tissue. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the lower pH may facilitate the translocation of the proteolytic domain across the cell membrane so that the neurotoxin fragment can exert its effects within the cell. The pH of the target tissue is only temporarily lowered so that neuronal and/or glial injury is reduced.

The botulinum toxin used in the treatment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises botulinum toxin type A, botulinum toxin type B, botulinum toxin type C, botulinum toxin type D, botulinum toxin type E, botulinum toxin type F, botulinum toxin type G, a fragment thereof, a hybrid thereof, a chimera thereof, or a combination thereof. Because of different mechanisms and cleavage sites of botulinum toxins, the potency, dosage, or duration may vary depend on the type of botulinum toxins. The botulinum toxin can be used with other modulating drugs or chemicals. In further embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the botulinum toxin administered is between about 1 unit and about 150 units.

In some embodiments, a composition administered to a patient consists of botulinum toxin(s). Alternatively, a pharmaceutically active composition contained in a composition administered to a patient consists of botulinum toxin(s). The composition may additionally include, but not be limited to, a pharmaceutically inactive excipient, stabilizer and/or carrier. If lyophilized, the botulinum toxin may be reconstituted with saline or water to make a solution or composition to be administered to the patient. Alternatively, a composition administered to a patient comprises botulinum toxin(s) and other pharmaceutically active ingredients.

Illustrative embodiments are explained in the following example of a case study conducted with a patient having asthma.

Example 1

Patient is a 30-year-old male. The patient weighs about 140 lbs. He has suffered from sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, depression, migraines, vertigo, tinnitus, acid reflux, asthma, shoulder blade and lower back spasms and pain, TMJ, chronically cold, chronic generalized pain, IBS, pain and tingling in feet, and pain down the back of the legs. To ameliorate asthma and some other symptoms, Cymbalta 30 mg daily for 2 years (for depression), Qudexy XR 100 mg, and ProAir 8.5 mg/200 as needed daily have been prescribed to her for 14 years. On Jan. 11, 2020, he was administered botulinum toxin in the area of trigeminal, cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral nerves (2 units in ophthalmic, 2 units in maxillary, 2 units in mandibular of trigeminal nerve bilaterally; 2 units in the c-2-c-3, 2 units in the c-4-c-5, 2 units in the c-6-c-7 of cervical nerve bilaterally; 2 units in the t-1-t-2, 2 units in the t-4-t-5, 2 units in the t-7-t-8, 2 units in the t-10-t-11 of thoracic nerve bilaterally; 2 units in the 1-1-1-2, 2 units in the 1-3-1-4, 2 units in the 1-5-1-6 of lumbar nerve bilaterally; 2 units in the s-1-s-2, 2 units in the s-3-s-4, 2 units in the s-5-s-6 of sacral nerve bilaterally for a total of 48 units). On Jan. 26, 2020, the patient reported the following improvement: 1) can sleep through the night and wakes up refreshed; 2) chronic fatigue gone; 3) depression gone (taking Cymbalta every other day and considering stopping altogether if she doesn't feel she needs it); 4) migraines are gone; 5) no constant tinnitus; 6) no episodes of vertigo; 7) acid reflux gone; 8) shoulder blade and lower back muscle spasms and pain are gone; 9) all asthma symptoms are gone and no more tightness in the chest or breathing difficulty which she still had even on meds. (Patient reported she had stopped taking her oral asthma meds and has not used her rescue inhaler in the last week. Patient had been on meds for 14 years); 10) TMJ symptoms gone; 11) no longer chronically cold—doesn't have to wear long sleeves or coats at work; 12) chronic generalized pain gone; 13) IBS gone; no more sudden diarrhea attacks; 14) neuropathy pain in feet gone; and 15) pain down back of legs gone. As of May 14, 2020, she is off all her medication except Qudexy for her seizures. No asthma symptom has been observed and she has not been on medication except Qudexy for last 4 months.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have same meaning as commonly understood by the person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

It should be understood that the above description of the invention and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all such changes and modifications. 

1. A method for treating asthma in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering botulinum toxin to the patient, thereby treating asthma, wherein administering for an adult comprises, by subcutaneous or intradermal injection, 1-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of a trigeminal nerve, 1-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of a cervical nerve, lateral to the patient's spine, 1-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of a thoracic nerve, lateral to the patient's spine, 1-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of a lumbar nerve, lateral to the patient's spine, and/or 1-4 units to and/or around the vicinity of a sacral nerve, lateral to the patient's spine, and monitoring if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level normalizes.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the trigeminal nerve comprises an ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve, supraorbital nerve, supratrochlear nerve, infraorbital nerve, lacrimal nerve, nasociliary nerve, superior alveolar nerve, buccal nerve, lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, an auriculotemporal nerve, lesser occipital nerve, a greater occipital nerve, or a combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cervical nerve comprises a c-2 nerve, c-3 nerve, c-4 nerve, c-5 nerve, c-6 nerve, c-7 nerve, c-8 nerve, or a combination thereof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the thoracic nerve comprises a t-2 nerve, t-3 nerve, t-5 nerve, t-6 nerve, t-7 nerve, t-8 nerve, t-9 nerve, t-10 nerve, t-11 nerve, t-12 nerve, or a combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the lumbar nerve comprises an 1-1 nerve, 1-2 nerve, 1-3 nerve, 1-4 nerve, 1-5 nerve, or a combination thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the sacral nerve comprises an s-1 nerve, s-2 nerve, s-3 nerve, s-4 nerve, s-5 nerve, or a combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the botulinum toxin comprises botulinum toxin type A, botulinum toxin type B, botulinum toxin type C, botulinum toxin type D, botulinum toxin type E, botulinum toxin type F, botulinum toxin type G, a fragment thereof, a hybrid thereof, a chimera thereof, or a combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the subcutaneous or intradermal injection is bilateral.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a total dosage of the botulinum toxin for an adult who weighs about 150 lbs is between about 1 unit and about 150 units.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein a total dosage of the botulinum toxin for an adult, a child is adjusted for age, weight, or a combination thereof.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the neuroexcitatory substances comprise substance P, CGRP or glutamate.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level is blood level.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level normalizes comprises monitoring if the patient's blood glutamate level normalizes.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a normal blood glutamate level is from about 40 to about 60 uM.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level fails to normalize, additional botulinum toxin is administered to the patient.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level fails to normalize even after administering the additional botulinum toxin, an antagonist to the neuroexcitatory substances is administered to the patient.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level fails to normalize, an antagonist to the neuroexcitatory substances is administered to the patient.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring if the patient's neuroexcitatory substances level normalizes occurs one or two weeks after the administering botulinum toxin to the patient.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the patient's physical symptoms.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein if the patient's physical symptom continues, additional botulinum toxin or an antagonist to the neuroexcitatory substances is administered to the patient. 